As a full-time writing coach for Wawasee School District in northern Indiana, Ruth spends her days helping students find meaning in their stories, and encouraging teachers to reflect and refine the art of teaching. "I love documenting ordinary stories from everyday life," Ruth says.

Ruth earned her bachelor's and master's degrees from Indiana University. She taught seventh-grade language arts in Wawasee Middle School for four years, and currently she is the district's writing coach.

Ruth says that she wanted to become a teacher because she wanted to have a positive impact on the lives of middle schoolers. "I like helping students see the power of their everyday stories and to learn how their words can make the world a better place. I consider myself among the most fortunate because I spend my days with children and adolescents, teaching them how to make sense of the world through reading and to impact the world with their voice through writing."

In her free time Ruth likes to read, write, take photos, walk, and cook. In reality, though, most of her free time is spent with her husband, Andy, and their four children.